Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What would be a likely goal for an SLP working with a client struggling with orthographic knowledge?

1. To improve narrative discourse abilities

2. To enhance spelling and writing skills

3. To develop phonological processing

4. To increase verbal comprehension

The correct answer is: To enhance spelling and writing skills

Enhancing spelling and writing skills is a likely goal for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) working with a client struggling with orthographic knowledge. Orthographic knowledge refers to a person's understanding of the writing system of a language, which includes the relationships between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes), as well as the conventions of spelling. When clients have difficulties in orthographic knowledge, it often impacts their ability to spell words accurately and to write effectively. Focusing on spelling and writing skills allows the SLP to target the specific deficits in their understanding of how letters are used to represent sounds in written form, thus improving their overall literacy skills. This goal is directly aligned with the necessary skills needed for successful reading and writing, making it a crucial area of focus in therapy. Other options, such as improving narrative discourse abilities or developing phonological processing, while relevant to communication, do not directly address the specific area of orthographic knowledge. Similarly, increasing verbal comprehension is important; however, it pertains more to understanding spoken language rather than the mechanics of writing. Therefore, enhancing spelling and writing skills is the most appropriate focus for someone facing challenges in orthographic knowledge.